Spotless & Seamless Exteriors Blog

When summer weather turns too tropical or ominous, we retreat to the indoors for comfort and safety. Your home protects you from the elements, but how do you protect it? Here are a few tips for the general maintenance of your home’s exterior as well as some things to consider as you prepare for the elements of summer weather.

Roofing

As a homeowner, you should be aware of suggestions for regular roofing care. These include:

• Basic roof inspection. Pay attention to missing or curled shingles that could indicate damage or inefficiency. This is especially important if you notice more than one area with signs of deterioration.
• Check interior ceilings. Stains in the attic or on interior ceilings can reveal water leaking in from the roof.
• Remove loose debris. If you have trees close to your home, be sure to remove any twigs, branches, leaves, or seeds from your roofline. These items can clog gutters and eventually lead to roof or interior water damage.

If you notice significant or repeated damage after summer’s heavy rains, hail, or gusting winds, the roofing professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. We can assess minor or major issues to determine your needs.

Siding

Depending on the type of siding, your summer projects may include minimal or excessive home maintenance.

Wood siding can warp or rot when exposed to moisture, and Minnesota summers are often wet and humid. Additionally, the hot sun causes paint to chip, peel, or fade. Wood siding should be treated every four to six years for optimal appeal and protection.

Some siding products are installed in overlapped sections, which creates visible splices. These, in addition to holes or cracks in wood siding, are entry points for moisture and pests. Extreme summer heat and sun can sometimes make vinyl susceptible to warping, chalking, or fading.

If your home needs new siding or if you’re drained by the upkeep for your home’s current siding, consider going maintenance free with United States Seamless® Steel Siding. Spotless & Seamless is an exclusive franchisee in the Twin Cities area, and our home exteriors experts can answer your questions prior to installation.

Your home’s roofing and siding are critical elements for its protection – and the protection of your family. Keep an eye on what’s happening outside to safeguard what’s inside. Stay on top of routine maintenance and small repairs to avoid costly fixes down the road. If you do run into issues with roofing or siding, contact Spotless & Seamless with questions or concerns or to schedule a free estimate.

Want to give your home a bit of added whimsy and charm this summer? Consider a small but unique upgrade that will bring in an abundance of natural light while being both functional and practical. Keep reading to find out how to cultivate character with a garden window.

Unique portal

Garden windows are designed to extend a few inches beyond the edge of your home’s exterior. Encased in glass from every side, these unique portals allow light to shine in from every direction. The bottom panel can serve as a shelf for storage, while adding a middle shelf provides extra space for display.

Adding openness

The addition of a garden window helps open up any room and makes it feel larger. This brighter and welcoming environment can also provide a pleasant and positive energy.

Some homeowners may choose to put a garden window in a home office, adding sunlight and a sense of nature by way of impressive views to the outdoors. In most cases, these types of windows are installed above the kitchen sink. This way, the contents on display are easily accessible, making the idea of a garden window even more appealing.

Multi-purpose

Add quick and easy flavor to home-cooked meals by growing herbs in a kitchen garden window. Keep fresh chives, basil, rosemary, or oregano within arms’ reach and away from backyard garden pests.

With a garden window, you can also grow houseplants year-round to:

• Breathe easier: English ivy and peace lilies naturally help purify and remove mold from the air. Likewise, the Boston fern helps filter airborne toxins.
• Quiet your mind: Geranium plants are pretty, and their scent is thought to promote calmness.
• Help with anxiety: The aroma of lavender helps with relaxation. Additionally, studies have shown that looking at roses creates a sense of comfort.
• Boost your mood: The year-round bloom of an orchid helps increase positive energy.

Furthermore, a garden window provides space for displaying trinkets and collections, for storing books, or for showing off arts and crafts projects.

If you want to bring in more light and add some unique flair to your living space, cultivate character with a garden window. The Twin Cities home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless install top-quality windows designed with a weathertight seal. Available in two styles, these windows will maintain their charm for years to come. Contact us today for a free estimate.

With temperatures on the rise and summer on its way, you’re probably outside tending to chores around the yard. Another way to keep your property looking spiffy – and increase curb appeal – is to give your home an outer spruce-up. From a simple doorway upgrade to a full siding replacement, we have some tips on scoring style points with home exterior trends.

Front Door

Your home’s front door is an invitation that greets and welcomes your guests. Adding a new coat of paint or even a pop of color can make a visual statement or offer a warmhearted reception.

If you’re ready for a whole new look in the entryway, consider replacing the door with one that looks stunning and is more energy efficient. Let the sun in by choosing a door with multi-pane windows. Moreover, accenting the doorway with sidelights and transom windows will really make your exterior – and especially your interior – shine.

Go Dark

Go with dark colors and bring a new sophisticated look to your home.

Dark colors – like charcoal gray, navy blue, deep burgundy, hunter green, or even black – complement any style of home and have an ageless feel that adds to their popularity. Darker exterior colors can bring simplicity to a modern-era home. Likewise, they can make the conventional feel somewhat unconventional.

Stay Fresh… Forever

Give your home’s exterior the look of timeless beauty and the assurance of performance against the elements with new siding. United States Seamless® Steel Siding products come in a variety of designs and colors – including dark hues.

• Platinum Series™: More than beautiful, this energy efficient exterior outperforms vinyl, wood, or fiber cement products. For added value and durability, this unique siding alternative is enhanced with DuPont™ Teflon® surface protector.
• Mountain Cedar®: Offering the look of natural stained cedar, this product goes one step further and resists the elements better than its namesake. Engineered specifically to resist hail and extreme temperature changes, this option won’t deteriorate like real wood.
• Northwoods Collection™: Get that cozy, rustic look with this log cabin steel siding. Available in four natural wood colors, it won’t rot, splinter, corrode, or fade.

What’s more, seamless steel siding is maintenance free, which will save you time and energy over the decades.

No matter your style, color, or home exterior trend preference, the Twin Cities exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can make the transition a simple one. Contact us to find out more about front door or siding options or to schedule a free consultation.

The month of April is known for its proverbial showers. Make sure your home’s gutter system is clear and ready for that rainy assignment. Clogged gutters create all sorts of unpleasant situations for homeowners, costing time and money. Continue reading to learn some of the reasons why it’s important to keep your gutters free of debris.

Water Damage

Obstructions such as leaves, dirt, pine needles, and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and prevent them from guiding water safely away from your home. Instead, the water overflows and moisture increases. This can eventually lead to rotting fascia boards and soffits, causing damage to your home’s exterior and potentially triggering damage to your home’s interior.

Foundation Issues and Leaks

Water that cannot properly drain can build up along your home’s foundation. If enough water collects, it likely will find its way into your basement. The excess moisture can damage structural integrity and lead to mold issues.

Large pools of water can also soften the soil around and under your home, resulting in possible cracks in the foundation and expensive structural fixes down the road.

Insects and Pests

Leaf-filled gutters are ideal places for mice and squirrels to take up residence. Once these critters move in, they can cause trouble in and around your home. Likewise, accumulations of moist leaves can attract insects, which can lead to an infestation inside as well as outside. Keep clutter from your gutter to help limit mosquitoes and deter wood-eating insects such as ants and termites from moving in.

An Alternative

Depending on your surroundings, gutters should be cleaned one to four times a year. One simple way to avoid gutter cleaning hassle is to consider a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system. This one-piece rain-carrying system is structurally designed to let rainwater flow through while keeping leaves and debris out.

When working properly, your home’s gutter system is a crucial element to its protection. Be sure to keep your gutters free of debris to avoid the pitfalls of water damage, foundation issues, and pest infestation. To evade gutter maintenance altogether, ask your Minnesota clog-free gutter experts about LEAFAWAY®. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless are available to assist with your home exterior needs. Contact us today.

Singing birds, warmer temps, and longer days means spring is here – finally! Now is a great time to get outside and take inventory of any toll winter may have taken on your home’s exterior. If you’re unsure what to look for, we’ve put together some ideas to include on your home’s spring maintenance agenda. Keep reading to determine which projects you need to tackle.

Roofing

Your home’s roof is the main source of protection from the elements. Check for any broken or missing shingles and any damage from ice dams. Also, check the condition of the flashing around vents and chimneys. Make appropriate accommodations for repair as soon as possible. Delaying fixes could lead to water damage inside your home from forthcoming rain and storms.

Gutters

If your roofline has a gutter system, you know how valuable it is for protecting your home from water damage. Gutters catch and direct rainwater away from the foundation but not if they’re clogged. Make sure gutters and downspouts are free from leaves and other debris to ensure they’ll function properly. Also, check for loose or leaky gutters and tighten, repair, or replace them right away.

If you’re tired of cleaning your gutter system, ask us about the LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system.

Windows and Doors

Check weather seals around your home’s windows and doors. If they’re cracked or missing, replace them. Doing so will help protect your home from water damage. You will also save on air conditioning costs and keep that cooler air inside where you want it.

Opening windows at night helps keep your house cool while reducing your energy bill. Make sure your windows are summer-ready by cleaning dirty screens or patching any small holes.

Paint

Exterior paint dresses up your home’s curb appeal and gives it a protective barrier from wind and rain. Check for any areas of cracked or chipping paint and do touch-ups as needed. If your home’s exterior needs substantial fixes, consider maintenance-free Seamless® steel siding. Get the look you want and the protection you need.

Make sure your home’s exterior survived winter and is ready for summer. Create an agenda for spring maintenance and take care of any small issues before they become big problems. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can handle any repairs or upgrades. Contact us for a free estimate.

Whether you are outside looking in or vice versa, windows are an essential element of your home. Residential windows usually last 15 to 20 years, and maybe some of the ones in your home need replacing. Spotless & Seamless Exteriors offers a full range of customized window solutions, depending on your specific needs. Today, we will look at the ways both you and your home can benefit from double-hung windows.

What are double-hung windows?

A sash is the part of a window that holds the glass panes together and slides up and down or side to side. Double-hung windows have one frame with two stacked sashes, each with the capability of moving from the top down or the bottom up so that both can be open at the same time.

Double-hung windows usually are more expensive up front. However, this type of window is one of the most popular and functional choices for homeowners for several reasons.

What do double-hung windows offer?

Better ventilation. Increase airflow in any room by installing a double-hung window. They are extremely advantageous in rooms that retain moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Having both sashes open at the same time forces warm air out through the upper sash and brings cool air in through the lower sash. Adjusting each of the openings allows you to find that perfect temperature for your comfort level.

Cleaning convenience. Usually the best way to wash windows is from the outside. The chore can be difficult for upper-level windows. But double-hung windows have an extra feature for cleaning convenience. Both sashes slide up and down for easy access to hard-to-reach areas. In addition, the panes slant inward to make cleaning the outside of the windows from inside your home a simple reality.

Energy efficiency. When properly installed by a qualified installation team like our experts at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, double-hung windows can save energy on cooling your home over time. Our windows are designed with Ply Gem Low-E, or low-emittance, glass that allows heat from the sun to penetrate but sends radiant heat waves back toward their source. This process helps warm your home in the winter and keep it cool in the summer.

If you’re looking to replace some or all the windows in your home, the Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless are here to assist throughout the process. We can go over the options that will work best for your needs and even discuss how you and your home can benefit from double-hung windows. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

The roof of your home has protected you through another winter, but its job is continuous and always requires its best effort. Maybe you have noticed some aging, leaking, or other damage and are considering a replacement. Shingles and metal are two of the most common materials used to cover homes today. Learn more as we examine these suitable roofing options for a cold climate like Minnesota.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are made up of a combination of fiberglass for reinforcement, asphalt to provide water resistance, and stone granules to add color and help reflect heat from the sun. They are one of the most widely used roofing materials in the country. Designed for substantial protection with little upkeep, asphalt shingles are popular for many reasons.

• Durability. Asphalt shingles shield your home from seasonal temperature shifts and all types of weather, including snow and heavy rain.
• Environmentally friendly. They can be recycled and converted into roadway pavement.
• Long lasting. A well-maintained shingled roof can last 20 to 30 years.
• Visually appealing. Shingles are available in a vast assortment of colors and styles, which allows you to enhance the aesthetic look of your home.
• Affordability. In comparison to other materials, shingles are universally less expensive. They are also easier to install, cutting down on time and labor costs.

Metal roofing

While initially more expensive than traditional options, metal roofing proves its worth over time with many advantages.

• Longer lifespan. A metal roof can last from 50 to 100 years with little-to-no maintenance
• Sturdy. This type of roofing is highly resistant to hail, wind damage, and even fire.
• Watertight. Metal roofing protects your home from snow and rain penetration thanks to the way it’s manufactured and assembled. Furthermore, metal roofs are not susceptible to snow or ice buildup, as any frozen precipitation slides right off.
• Year-round installation. Because they don’t require sealing or curing, metal roofs can be installed any time of year, even in cold climates.
• Stylish. With many styles, colors, and types from which to choose, metal roofing is fully customizable to any look.

Whether you choose traditional shingle or opt for metal, either of these roofing options for a cold climate will add value to and protect your home. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals from Spotless & Seamless are ready to assist with all your roofing and siding needs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

When considering home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency and lower utility bills, most homeowners think replacement windows or insulation. But upgrading your exterior doors is an easy, cost-effective way to save energy and money while creating a comfortable, healthier indoor environment. Read on to learn how:

Air Leakage

Old, ill-fitting, or uninsulated entry or patio doors can contribute to air leakage during the winter and summer months. Unwanted outside air enters your home and inside air escapes through cracks, gaps, and openings you may not even know exist. Air leakage can also cause moisture issues. This can result in dangerous mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Weatherstripping or caulking the gaps can help reduce air leaks and energy loss, but new energy-efficient exterior doors are designed for a better fit and increased insulation, and can eliminate drafts.

Types of Energy-Efficient Doors

An energy-efficient door acts as a seal between the outside and inside temperatures of your home. This prevents an unwanted heat exchange, which could save you money. There are many options available when looking to upgrade your doors:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is one of the most energy-efficient materials available today. It’s highly durable, weather-resistant, and relatively low maintenance. In addition, fiberglass doors won’t crack, shrink, or warp, giving them a longer lifespan than other materials such as wood. In general, fiberglass doors are moderately priced, so replacing your existing door with a fiberglass one is a good investment that will pay for itself in energy savings down the road.

Vinyl

Vinyl is another material that’s durable, weather-resistant, and energy efficient. A vinyl door provides good thermal insulation, which prevents air from entering or escaping your house during the hot and cold months. Premium vinyl resists deterioration, corrosion, and insect infestation.

Steel

Like a refrigerator door, most steel doors use magnetic weatherstripping that forms an airtight seal to prevent air from escaping or entering your home. Steel doors often have tighter-fitting frames and a higher R-value than other materials. This results in better insulation for your home. Moreover, steel doors are generally less expensive compared to fiberglass or vinyl.

Wood

A widely popular option, doors made from wood are the least energy efficient of all the materials. Wood tends to be a poor insulator of heat and can even absorb heat in the warmer months. Most wood doors have a polyurethane foam core that increases its energy efficiency, but only nominally. While wood is an attractive option relative to curb appeal, there are better alternatives for energy savings available.

Glass

Glass doors are poor insulators and tend to lose more heat than other types of doors. However, most manufacturers install low-emissivity coatings on glass, which control the heat transfer better but tend to cost more. There are do-it-yourself low-e coating kits available to apply at home. These films are relatively low-cost and may last up to 15 years without peeling, a good alternative for the budget-conscious homeowner.

Upgrading your exterior doors could lead to significant energy savings. Selecting the right door for your home’s exterior is a big decision. Before you buy, it’s advisable to check NFRC performance ratings to find the right door for your lifestyle and budget.

Let the experts at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors help make choosing a door a little easier. We are a Twin Cities home exteriors contractor offering a wide selection of doors from Waudena Millwork. Materials include high-quality steel, fiberglass aluminum, vinyl, wood, and others designed for high-functionality and performance all year round. Contact us today.

Winter is here. Any Minnesota homeowner knows that when the snowfall increases, so does the risk of ice dams forming along the roofline. Left untreated, ice dams can lead to extensive and costly damage to your home’s roof and gutters, and in some cases, the interior of your house. Read on for information and tips on what you can do to prevent ice dams from ruining the exterior of your home.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms along the lower edge of rooflines in climates with cold temperatures and regular snowfall. As heat rises from the home, it melts the snow that has accumulated on the roof, sending water down to settle on the eaves and gutters. When the outside temperature drops, the water essentially refreezes, causing the ice ridge to continually expand and become heavier. This prevents subsequent melting snow from draining off the roof.

Effects

When the snow melts on the warmer part of the roof, the melted snow pools behind the ice and seeps back under roof shingles and, eventually, into the home. This can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and floors. In severe cases, ice dams can weigh several hundred pounds, which can tear off gutters, crack shingles, or compromise the overall structure of the roof. In addition, moisture that has entered the home can lead to the growth of dangerous mold and mildew, which adds excessive repairs and health risks.

Prevention

The best way to prevent ice dams from forming is to take action before the snow falls. Since heat loss through the attic is a major contributor to ice dam formation, proper insulation and ventilation are crucial. This creates an airtight seal, keeping the roof’s temperature near or at the outdoor temperature. However, once the snow does fall, be sure to remove it from the roof using a roof rake but take care not to damage the shingles in the process.

In emergency situations where water is flowing into the home, make a path or channel through the ice dam. This will redirect the water and allow it to flow off the roof. You can make a channel by pouring warm tap water where the ice has built up, then chiseling it to create the pathway. It’s most effective to work upward from the lower edge of the ice dam. However, the pathway is only temporary, so it’s best to implement a long-term solution to the problem.

Snow and ice are a way of life in Minnesota. By following these preventative measures, you can keep the damage and cost of ice dams at bay.

The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals from Spotless & Seamless are ready to assist with all your siding and roofing needs. Contact us today.

Minnesota homeowners know that northern climates are tough on the home. In optimal weather conditions, most siding products perform well, but some just can’t withstand the frozen tundra. Read on to learn the effects of frigid temperatures on vinyl siding.

Temperature

Vinyl is a type of plastic, and as such, is sensitive to temperature changes. Vinyl siding can become brittle and is prone to cracking in low temperatures. The material contracts in cold environments and expands when the weather warms up. If your house siding is compromised during the winter months, you may have costly water damage come spring.

Seams

Vinyl siding panels overlap and interlock, resulting in more than 130 seams on the average home. Visible seams may present a gateway for moisture, which will eventually rot the walls of your home. When put to the test with wind, hail, and snow, vinyl won’t perform as well as other cladding materials.

Wind

Strong winds are tough on any home, but particularly on vinyl siding. Vinyl cladding is lightweight and could lift off and be ripped from the home. In addition, missing sections are hard to replace, particularly if the siding color has faded with age and from exposure to the elements.

A Better Alternative

Properly installed steel siding can put your mind at ease with its many benefits:

• Affordability
• Ease of installation
• Water resistance
• Energy efficiency
• Aesthetics
• Versatility
• Minimum maintenance

Trust the top choice in American-made seamless steel siding, United States Seamless®. With its limited lifetime warranty against fading or chalking, U.S. Seamless Siding will boost your home’s curb appeal and maintain its beautiful look for years to come. Steel siding is custom-fit to your home on-site, which means no ugly seams, splices, or joints.

Available in a range of beautiful styles to complement modern homes or cozy log cabins, United States Seamless® is second to none. Whether you choose Platinum Series™, Mountain Cedar®, or the NorthWoods Collection™, you can be sure of a strikingly attractive finish that will save you money on energy bills. Most U.S. Seamless styles and colors are available with coordinating accessories such as soffit, fascia, and seamless gutters.

Don’t let the effects of frigid temperatures on vinyl siding cause problems this winter. Spotless & Seamless Exteriors (SSE) is a Maple Grove siding contractor, offering United States Seamless® to homeowners throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and suburbs. As your Twin Cities siding professionals, we take great pride in providing quality materials our installers would trust on their own homes. We have a heated trailer from which we cut custom-fit sections that will fit your home perfectly, allowing us to apply seamless steel throughout the winter months.

Contact us to learn more.